Since 2008, 18 vehicles have crashed at the Tallassee Road intersection with Whitehead Road, according to county documents.

Also, according to county data, building a roundabout uses fewer taxpayer dollars.

To build a "modern roundabout" costs about $2.6 million, according to documents. The same documents suggest that the construction of a signalized intersection with turn lanes costs about $2.7 million.

The annual cost of operating a signalized intersection is about $3,000, whereas no operating expenses are required for a roundabout, noted the documents.

Funds to build the traffic circle will come from a 1 percent local sales tax.

To alleviate public concerns, Mayor Nancy Denson suggested that officials air educational programs on how to properly navigate a roundabout on ACTV and on the county website.

Currently in the design phase, officials said it likely will be two years before the roundabout is ready for motorists.

Also at the Tuesday meeting:

• The commission approved upgrades to Memorial and Bishop parks. Tennis courts will be reconditioned and the pool resurfaced at Bishop Park. The stormwater forebay will be dredged at Memorial Park, which will allow "for better water movement and aeration of the water as it enters the ... pond," according to county documents. The estimated cost to complete all three projects is $422,000.

• Todd Smith Grading Inc. was awarded a contract of about $1.2 million, based on its bid for the work, for the construction of Jennings Mill Parkway from Commerce Boulevard to Mill Center Boulevard. The project is part of the Atlanta Highway Master Plan. The first construction phase of the project, between Jimmie Daniels Road and Commerce Boulevard, concluded in 2008.

• Commissioners created a Local Emergency Planning Committee. Made up of public safety officials and interested industry executives, the primary purpose of the new committee will be to develop action plans on dealing with hazardous materials. No one has yet been nominated to the committee.

• The installation of new computer systems for Athens Regional Library was approved. The systems provide such services as search and location of materials, inventory checks, book check-ins and check-outs, and security, according to county documents. The commission authorized Minnesota-based 3M Company to install the systems at a price not to exceed $500,000.

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